Performance evaluation criteria and entropy generation of hybrid nanofluid in a shell-and-tube heat exchanger with two different types of cross-sectional baffles

Abstract

Improving the thermo-hydraulic performance of shell-and-tube heat exchangers is of interest to researchers due to their broad applications in the industry. Thermo-hydraulic behavior and entropy generation of hybrid nanofluid in a shell-and-tube heat exchanger with two different types of cross-sectional baffles are numerically examined using the two-phase Eulerian-Eulerian Model (EEM). The volume fraction of nanoparticles (φ) changes from 0 to 2% and the Reynolds number (ReNumber) varies from 25000 to 45000. EEM, Realizable k-ε turbulence model, finite volume method (FVM), and SIMPLE algorithm are used for modeling. According to the numerical results obtained in terms of pressure drop, total entropy generation, and performance evaluation criteria (PEC), baffle 1 is more appropriate. In terms of heat transfer rate and average Nusselt number values, baffle 2 is more suitable. The PEC maximum change was 5.13% at Re = 45000 and φ = 0% by changing the type of baffle from the second type to the first type. The maximum rise in the total entropy generation was 73.68% for φ = 0% for the first type of baffles.